"May you announce God's unconditional love for all people and God's desire for nonviolence through Jesus Christ, who is our peace." — Florida Area Bishop Kenneth Carter Jr. after the mass shooting.
Florida bishop responds to massacre
ORLANDO (UMNS) — Florida Area Bishop Kenneth Carter Jr. urged churches to share the message of God’s unconditional love after the deadliest shooting in U.S. history. The early-morning massacre at an gay nightclub left at least 50 dead and 53 injured.
Read statement and post a comment
New York Conference commissions, ordains gay clergy
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (UMNS) — The New York Annual Conference commissioned, recognized, or ordained 33 individuals on June 11 at Hofstra University in what Bishop Jane Allen Middleton called an “historic ordination service.” Four of the clergy candidates had come out as gay earlier this year. The Rev. Joanne S. Utley, editor of The Vision for the conference, reports.
Read story
Wisconsin clergy complaint resolved
MIDDLETON, Wis. (UMNS) — Bishop Hee-Soo Jung announced the resolution of a complaint against retired clergywoman the Rev. Janet Ellinger for conducting two same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Read press release
After GC2016, future murky for agency reform
PORTLAND, Ore. (UMNS) — Plan UMC has taken an unplanned detour — at least for now. The 2016 General Conference referred parts of the agency reform plan for further study, while petitions to eliminate three general church agencies died in committee. Heather Hahn reports on what happened at General Conference and what happens now to restructuring.
Read story and post a comment
Minnesota churches display ‘Blessed Ramadan’ signs
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (UMNS) — The people of Christ United Methodist Church in Maplewood are committed to engaging in interfaith dialogue. So when Rev. Rachael Warner heard about the Minnesota Council of Churches’ Blessed Ramadan campaign, she knew her congregation would be interested. Christa Meland of the Minnesota Conference reports.
Read story
UMCOR helps with food aid to Lumads
NEW YORK (UMNS) — Nearly 3,000 Lumad indigenous people, mainly women and children, remain displaced after being forced from their homes on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines late last year. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with local partner BALSA Mindanao to provide them with much-needed food aid. David Tereshchuk reports for UMCOR.
Read story
Disaster preparedness is always ‘in season’
NEW YORK (UMNS) — With dozens of U.S. communities recovering from spring floods and tornados as the 2016 Atlantic hurricane season begins, it seems there is no “off-season” for disasters. That means there’s no “off season” for preparedness either, said Greg Forrester, United Methodist Committee on Relief. Susan Kim has the story for UMCOR.
Read story
Looking ahead
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have an item to share, email [email protected] and put Digest in the subject line.
Monday, June 20
Deadline to register for three United Methodist Communications online courses to be offered July 6 – Aug. 17 — The courses are “Tools for Increasing Your Church’s Vitality;” “Communicating Faith in the 21st Century,” and “Welcoming Ministry.” Costs vary. Details
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.